Personal Insurance

A new version of this post can be found below. Updated 7/13/2023. Nearly five years ago we predicted California homeowners would experience non-renewals, closing zip codes, “high fire hazard” surcharges, and a shrinking number of options as companies left the market altogether. All that was predicted has come to pass, culminating recently when the nation’s … Read more

Elon Musk and Tesla have been in the news recently for a variety of reasons – we’ve most enjoyed the banter between Musk and the highly revered Charlie Munger and Warren Buffet. Tesla continues to struggle with production issues and a backlog of vehicle orders now over half a million and counting. And while profitability and sustainability … Read more

As the first quarter of 2018 comes to a close, there is a trending issue that we’re keeping a close eye on: the rapid increase in home insurance premiums. The jump in rates is being triggered by two primary factors – skyrocketing construction costs and the negative effects of 2017’s record insurance losses. A Booming Economy … Read more

Today’s insurance consumer can purchase a policy three different ways: 1) directly from an insurance company, 2) through a “captive” insurance agent, or 3) an independent insurance agent. Old Harbor is the latter, and we believe that being independent truly offers the maximum benefit to our valued clients. So, what exactly are those client benefits … Read more

Many condo owners believe the HOA’s insurance policy provides coverage for the complex, and by extension, to them. However, in almost all circumstances that is not the case. HOAs typically insure the “shell” of the complexes and liability for common areas, but there are several important holes that must be filled to completely protect a … Read more

If someone told you that filing repeated home insurance claims would cost you down the road, would you listen? The simple fact is that filing small claims almost always does more harm than good. “Exhibit A” below is a real-life example on the negative impact that can come from repeated, small claims. Josie Perez purchased … Read more

Anyone that has purchased a home knows the tremendous undertaking it can be. The task of getting pre-qualified for a mortgage and having an offer accepted is only the beginning, and once you’re in escrow, the process can become an absolute whirlwind. Because of this, many things are often overlooked until just before the close … Read more

A Short Story about The Smiths Joe and Laura Smith are your classic high school sweethearts; they’ve been together since they were sophomores. This past year celebrated their eight-year anniversary and their 33rd Birthdays. Joe’s a hardworking manager for a mid-size technology sales company and Laura works part-time as a photographer and styling specialist. They live a … Read more